Hormonal changes and spermatogenesis of male rat puppies born by mothers consuming soybean extract

Objective To analyze the effect of administering soybean extracts during pregnancy and breastfeeding on hormonal disturbances and impaired spermatogenesis in male rats born to mothers receiving soybean extract. Methods Twenty-eight male Wistar rat puppies were divided into four groups: the control group (no treatment) and male rat puppies whose mothers have been given soy extracts of various doses (68.88 μg/ml, 137.76 μg/ml and 275.52 μg/ml). Female rats were given soybean extracts during pregnancy and lactation until the male puppies were one month. Analysis of the levels of LH, FSH and testosterone was performed by ELISA technique. Testicular spermatogenesis was analyzed by histopathology. Results FSH levels were significantly lower for all three doses of soy extract than those of the control group (P < 0.05). FSH levels increased significantly in the group treated with the highest dose of soybean extract relative to those of the lower doses (P < 0.05). LH levels were significantly lower for all three doses of soy extract than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Testosterone levels were significantly lower for the highest dose of soybean extract relative to those of the control group (P < 0.05). Histology of the seminiferous tubules revealed that increasing the soy bean extract dose correlated with increasing constraints to spermatogenesis. Conclusion Administration of soybean extract from the intrauterine period, during lactation and at the age of two months, to male rats leads to hormonal changes and impaired spermatogenesis.